Universal Design Tips Springfield MA

Putting universal design principles to work can make houses more livable and comfortable, and more welcoming to all guests, regardless of age or ability, according to Kansas State University universal design experts, who offer the following ideas for applying universal design at home.

Local Companies

Interior Design Consultants, LLC
413-596-6726
325 Three Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA
Corporate Design
(413) 734-8427
143 Main St
Springfield, MA
Spec's Design Group
(413) 732-9550
17 Hampden St
Springfield, MA
Creative Wall Enhancements
(413) 788-6499
Springfield, MA
Donnelan Strout Interiors
(413) 788-3728
441 White St
Springfield, MA
Myette Paula & Co Interiors
(508) 945-3985
33 Depot Rd
Chatham, MA
Karen Lewis Design Assoc
(413) 644-0100
148 Stevens Lake Way
Monterey, MA
Sadow's Inc
(508) 996-8454
Dartmouth, MA
Inner Visions Interiors
(781) 275-4397
17 Glenridge Dr
Bedford, MA
Custom Decorator the
(781) 826-1616
345 Washington St
Pembroke, MA

Source: REMODELING Magazine
Publication date: February 1, 2007

By Nina Patel

Putting universal design principles to work can make houses more livable and comfortable, and more welcoming to all guests, regardless of age or ability, according to Kansas State University universal design experts, who offer the following ideas for applying universal design at home:

BATHROOM
  • Locate a shower or tub on the home's ground floor.
  • Include a vanity sink that moves up and down at the touch of a button, or a bowl that hangs over the edge of the vanity to accommodate a wheelchair.
  • Install a faucet with a retractable nozzle for easier reach.
  • Have a mirror that tilts forward, for comfortable use by a wheelchair user.
  • Install a taller toilet and foldable grab bars to help users retain their balance.
  • Provide a side-entry walk-in tub with a height-adjustable showerhead.
  • Provide a roll-in shower.
  • Consider including a first-floor bathroom with these universal design features.

  • KITCHEN
  • Arrange cupboards for easy access to heavy items. For example, place cups and plates on a lower shelf. Or install cabinets that move up and down for easy reach.
  • Use turntables or a Lazy Susan to organize frequently used items in a refrigerator or cupboard.
  • Provide lower countertops with higher toe-kick space to better accommodate wheelchair users.
  • Use large handles on cabinets to make them easier to open and close for those with arthritic hands.
  • Click here to read full article from Residential Architecture

    Featured Local Company

    Interior Design Consultants, LLC

    413-596-6726
    325 Three Rivers Road
    Wilbraham, MA
    www.interiordesignconsultants.com

    Related Articles
    - Eco-friendly or Green Design Springfield MA
    As part of the worldwide fight to combat climate change, eco design has become a fully developed movement within the realm of interior design. It is more than just recycling, reducing energy use and reusing products and materials. Eco design can be used to generate stylish spaces that work in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. The principle may be quite simple; however, balancing costs, functionality and design style can be daunting. Fortunately, we now ...
    - Hardwood Cabinets Springfield MA
    - Lighting Design Tips Springfield MA
    - Accessibility in the modern bathroom Springfield MA
    - Kitchen Remodeling Projects Springfield MA
    - Ceramic Tile Murals Springfield MA
    - Decorating Your Baby's Room Springfield MA
    - Universal Remote Control Springfield MA
    - Bathroom Remodeling Springfield MA
    - Barrier-free construction and the aging population: the need for accessibility Springfield MA
    Related Articles
    - Eco-friendly or Green Design Springfield MA
    As part of the worldwide fight to combat climate change, eco design has become a fully developed movement within the realm of interior design. It is more than just recycling, reducing energy use and reusing products and materials. Eco design can be used to generate stylish spaces that work in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. The principle may be quite simple; however, balancing costs, functionality and design style can be daunting. Fortunately, we now ...
    - Hardwood Cabinets Springfield MA
    - Lighting Design Tips Springfield MA
    - Accessibility in the modern bathroom Springfield MA
    - Kitchen Remodeling Projects Springfield MA
    - Ceramic Tile Murals Springfield MA
    - Decorating Your Baby's Room Springfield MA
    - Universal Remote Control Springfield MA
    - Bathroom Remodeling Springfield MA
    - Barrier-free construction and the aging population: the need for accessibility Springfield MA
    Related Local Events
    An Evening of Solo Piano with Robin Spielberg
    Dates: 12/6/2009 - 12/6/2009
    Location: The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield
    Bloomfield, CT
    View Details

    Home Show-Hartford
    Dates: 3/5/2010 - 3/7/2010
    Location: Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford
    Hartford, CT
    View Details

    The Rendville Art Show
    Dates: 11/20/2009 - 11/22/2009
    Location: Bryn Du Mansion
    Granville, MA
    View Details

    5th Annual Holiday Juried Arts and Craft Show Holiday Fair at the Armory
    Dates: 11/14/2009 - 11/14/2009
    Location:
    Torrington, CT
    View Details

    Craft Fair--Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
    Dates: 11/7/2009 - 11/7/2009
    Location: Middlebury Firehouse
    Middlebury, CT
    View Details

    Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

    Topics:
    Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
    Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
    Career Financial Services Insurance Software
    Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
    Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
    Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
    Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
    Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
    Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History